which lately had shone so brightly; our ship was tossed awhile like a bubble on the angry waves, and then went down into the deep. We, its passengers and crew, paralyzed and despairing, struggled for our lives. After awhile I ceased from struggling, fell asleep, and awoke on the shore all alone.
The storm had passed away; the sea and sky were now serene and lovely. I was on an island which had shores and rocks of the brightest gold, on which the sun shone with dazzling lustre, but I could see no grass or trees growing upon it. The waves beat gently on the strand, and sent up now and again showers of pearls and diamonds, with rubies, emeralds, and other precious stones, but nothing that had the slightest sign of life. In some of the bays, where the water was calm and clear, I could see a countless number of human skulls, and other bones, lying on the bottom. I began to be tormented with hunger and thirst, and looked about anxiously for something to appease my desires, but I could find nothing but gold and gems, which I longed to change into bread. Tasting the water of the sea, I found it as bitter as gall; and then I fell down in despair, and expected to die.
While lying on the golden sands I suddenly saw a strange and startling object becoming visible in the heavens. It was a star of surpassing splendour, outshining the sun, but presenting a different appearance. It appeared to be a strong concentration of light, glowing with the power of pure oxygen-gas within an amber- coloured, transparent globe. It cast its brilliant and beautiful rays over the sparkling sea for awhile, and then gradually faded away.
Wondering what this appearance might mean, I looked around me, and then beheld a fleet of ships and boats which were approaching the island with marvellous rapidity. The ships had all their white sails set, and these were filled
